The Monaco authorities sprang into action late on Saturday, September 28, when rough seas prevented 800 cruise passengers from rejoining their ship moored off Port Hercule. Two halls at the Louis II Stadium were hastily prepared for the stranded passengers to stay overnight, causing the cancellation of several sporting events due to take place on Sunday morning.

The extraordinary move was necessary as all the hotel rooms in the Principality were occupied due to the Monaco Yacht Show, which ended on Saturday. The cruise ship passengers were taken to Villefranche-sur-Mer early on Sunday morning to meet their ship.